March 3, 1952 – September 8, 2019
Earl Wayne “Easy Money” Melson, 67, Arcadia, passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2019, at his home, surrounded by his loving family following a 7 1/2-year battle with dementia. He was born on March 3, 1952 to William Oliver Melson and Sylvia Lois (Foley) Melson in Russell Springs, Ky.
Earl was a 1970 graduate of Jeffersonville High School where he won first place in cross country. He was employed by Utica boat/barge company and later moved to Indianapolis where he started framing houses with Snow Builders. In 1978, Earl started Melson’s Painting, painting custom homes. He was still painting houses up until his diagnosis. During this time, Earl owned and operated Integrity Auto with two friends. He also owned Earl’s Auto Sales in Chesterfield.
Earl had many hobbies, including shooting pool, playing cards, riding motorcycles, camping, bike riding, boating, and hunting every year.
After moving to Indianapolis, he met the love of his life in 1977, Jerri King, and married her in June of 1978. They had a love affair that would last for 41 years. Earl and Jerri enjoyed spending as much time together as possible.
Earl is survived by his wife, Jerri Melson; his daughter, Brittney Melson; and three grandchildren who kept him young, Kiyanna, Jaedon, and Korbin, all from Arcadia. He also is survived by his sisters-in-law, Jean (Allen) Jackson, Cicero, Alice Morris, Muncie, and Jan (Jeff) Kamplain, Greencastle; brothers-in-law, Raymond Morris of Missouri, David (Kim) King, Westfield, David Irion, Cicero, and Donnie McKinley, Noblesville; his uncle, Everett (Fran) Snow; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, William and Sylvia Melson, Earl was preceded in death by four sisters, Patsy, Rose, Gloria and Debra; his mother- and father-in-law, Don and Joan King; brothers-in-law, Kenneth and Toby; and sisters-in-law, Donna and Mary.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at the Arcadia Community Center (Town Hall), 208 W. Main St., Arcadia. Pastor Adam Colter will officiate.
Arrangements
Celebration of Life: 1 p.m., Sept. 14
Location: Arcadia Community Center
Condolences: randallroberts.com